Just 14 days to the 40th American Birkebeiner and we will be ready. We hope your preparations have gone well with the recent snowfalls. Those of you skiing will be standing on the start line with an all-time record 10,000 Birkie, Korte and Haakon skiers.

The new snow has really improved our course. Lake Hayward is in good shape, and we are expecting full race distances with a Birkie finish on Main Street in Hayward. We have our fingers crossed and hope that Mother Nature continues to cooperate.

The greatest cross-country ski event in North American is waiting for you. Get here early and enjoy all the festivities. See you soon.

Thanks for reading, and as always, we welcome your comments. You can reach me at ned@birkie.com.

Stay Fit, Think SNOW and see you on the Trails!

Ned

Ned Zuelsdorff

Executive Director

Birkie News

Thank you and Farewell to Ned Zuelsdorff

Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, has announced his retirement, effective mid-may, 2013. Ned has served as the executive director of the ABSF for the past eight years, starting in 2005. "I have really enjoyed my job with the Birkie, thanks to our staff, volunteers, and our skiers and runners," said Zuelsdorff.

Sue Scheer, president of the ABSF board of directors said, "during Ned's tenure as executive director, he has created many new events, expanded and improved the Birkie Trails, and nearly doubled participation in the American Birkebeiner events." Click Here to read more

Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation

Skier Details

Please Read this Section for Important Updates

about Birkie Week and Birkie Event

_ PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL!

New, Speedier, Bib Pickup:

Thank you for participating in the 2013 American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, or Prince Haakon. New this year, to help expedite your bib and packet pickup, you will be sent an email that you MUST PRINT AND BRING along with a VALID PHOTO ID to bib pickup. Your email will include your skier confirmation information. Please check your email for accuracy. If there is any discrepancy between the information on your skier confirmation card and the email you receive, please email the Birkie immediately at cindy@birkie.com.

Photo ID: Everyone must bring a valid photo ID to bib pickup

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_ Birkie / Korte Cut-Off Times

All Skiers Must Leave the Start by 10:15 a.m.

and cross the following cut-offs at the times listed.

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_ Hot Coffee at Mosquito Brook Food Station

Thanks to Backroads Coffee & Tea of Hayward, WI, Birkie skiers can grab some custom roasted, great tasting coffee at the Mosquito Brook food station to keep them going for the final stretches (and hills) of the race. Thanks, Backroads!

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_ Getting Here ... and Back Again

Whether you need transportation from and back to an airport or even Rice Lake, WI, want to rent a car, or want to know about some Birkie travel discounts, please see our "Getting Here" page on Birkie.com. If you have additional questions, give us a call at 715-634-5025.

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_ Race Day Child Care - at Camp Birkie

Once again parents participating in the Birkie or Kortelopet have a great option for child care at this year's Birkebeiner. For the fifth straight year Conserve School of Land O' Lakes, WI. will be hosting "Camp Birkie for Kids"

This retro 5K fun ski is your chance to re-live the earliest days of the American Birkebeiner, in the high-tech gear and clothing of the 1970s. This untimed event will start and finish on Main Street, right before the Welcome Ceremony, Torch Lighting, and Parade of Nations.

Immediately following the Welcome Ceremony, Torch Lighting, and Parade of Nations on Main Street, don't miss the "Blast With The Past" Tent Party in the big Celebration Tent, near the Birkie finish line. Great food, a beer cash bar, hot chocolate, coffee, and more--all in our giant, heated Celebration Tent!

Waxing services for the Birkie are available from Birkie sponsors at the Birkie Expo, in ski shops in Hayward and Seeley, and at various drop-off locations. You can even ship your skis for waxing so they are ready for you when you get here. See details below to learn more.

I certainly understand your frustration with our lack of snow on which to train. And I understand your decision not to go to the Birkie because of that.

Nevertheless, as a guy who wants to be optimistic enough to go fishing for Moby Dick carrying tartar sauce, I am going to take a minute to address some of your concerns going forward. Because the Birkie is not just a race. It is a metaphor for life.

What better way to commemorate taking on the Birkie challenge than with these first-time ever "50K" and "54K" T-shirts. They are shown here worn by, you guessed it, Bill Pierce, the Birkie's Chief of Trail. Bill and his crew are the ones who are out there right now, taking all that fresh snow and making those Birke trails spectacular!

Our ABSF Board Members are a diverse group of professionals who each has a deep connection to and experience with the Birkie. See their stories. What they do behind the scenes contributes to your Birkie experience. Click Here to get to know the Birkie Board.

The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race--the legendary American Birkebeiner--the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 88-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars. Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the Birkie is now an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a Lifestyle.